Help me like IPAs...

[bobbrews]

I forced myself to like IPAs. I used to hate them, now they are 95% of what I brew. They are an acquired taste, like Scotch or Coffee, and you can quickly become addicted to them. People don't normally LOVE them upon first sip. I recommend doing some research on the better IPAs out there, buy a bomber or a sixer, sit down, and try to appreciate them for what they are. The new American IPA/IIPA drinkers tend to like balance and sweetness to counteract the bitter. Veterans tend to like the real dry IPAs with a clean bitterness, low sweetness, and a blast of aroma.

On a side note, you can't always go by IBUs as a definite indicator of actual perceived bitterness. Some recipes with high IBUs can mask the harshness well. Others blast you with bitter and low aroma; those can be very off-putting.

Simple Extract IPA

Original Gravity: 1.064-ish
Final Gravity: 1.015 or lower
IBUs: 65
Boiling Time (Minutes): 60
Primary Fermentation (# of Days & Temp): 31 Days & 64 F
Tasting Notes: Clean, bitter, smooth, citrusy, piney, hoppy, highly drinkable, easy

6 Gallon Boil / 5 Gallon Batch

6.50 to 7.00 lbs. Briess Pilsen Light DME, or Muntons Extra Light DME
0.50 lb. Corn Sugar, or Table Sugar
0.50 lb. Light to Medium Crystal Malt, or Honey Malt (crushed & steeped around 155 F for 30 mins)

Boil 60 mins, 0.50 oz. High-alpha % American pellet hops like Columbus, Magnum, Horizon, Chinook, Warrior
Boil 25 mins, 0.50 oz. High-alpha % American pellet hops like Columbus, Magnum, Horizon, Chinook, Warrior
Boil 10 mins, 1.00 oz. Aromatic American pellet hops like Amarillo, Simcoe, Citra, Nugget, Centennial, Cascade
Boil 5 mins, 1.00 oz. Aromatic American pellet hops like Amarillo, Simcoe, Citra, Nugget, Centennial, Cascade
Post-boil (100-150 F) aroma steep 30 mins, 2.00 oz. Aromatic American pellet hops (see above)
Dryhop 6-9 days, 2.50 oz. Aromatic American pellet hops (included during primary time)

Safale US-05 dry yeast

 

[motobrewer]

We are talking about two different things here. One is getting beyond custom (and food / beverage prejudices can be very strong), and the other is programmed into our genes, like lactose intolerance.

Here's something that's not too scholarly and dreary to peruse:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supertaster

Here's something specific to cilantro intolerance:

http://blackfootjournal.com/cilantro-—-love-it-or-hate-it/

I taught for many years with a woman who (as the article relates) coudn't stand cilantro, claiming it tasted like soap.

wild. i love cilantro. really "fresh" tasting. but in general I think I have a very dull sense of taste. and smell. especially smell. but that might be mainly from my bad allergies.

 

[bobbrews]

As a chef, I've somewhat cured a few people of their hatred for cilantro.

The trick is to know how to use it in a way to find balance, and not to overload the dish with the herb. Certain varieties of cilantro also taste less citrusy and more soapy than others. Cilantro Santo is generally enjoyed the most. It has a very bright, citrusy quality.

 

[thekage]

Whos up for a cilantro IPA????

Seriouslly though, thanks for all the great replies, I am going to try a Bells 2 Hearted clone soon.

 

[davekippen]

I posted a similar response on another thread: I was just like you about a year ago. Once I started brewing, I really wanted to learn and love IPA's. I challenged myself to try 100 different IPA's before the end of this summer so I could learn all the in's-and-out's of Hops. I have a few local bottle shops that sell the mixer 6'ers so I can load up on only one of each IPA, that way I am not stuck with 6 of something that I dont like. I keep a spreadsheet and use BA to track and rate the brews I have tried so I know which ones were too bitter, too sweet, etc.

I am about 28 IPA's into the challenge so far. I have learned a lot! Its amazing the variety in the craft IPA's that you can buy. Its amazing the difference in smell and tastes you can buy. I never thought I would love IPA, but to tell you the truth, I actually crave them now. My last homebrew batch was my first IPA!

Just know that there is a wide variety out there, and there are bound to be a few you enjoy (Bells Two Hearted is one of my faves, as well!)

 

[estricklin]

I do not like anchovies. I don't like them on pizza, I don't like them in a sauce. I do not like them here or there, I do not like them anywhere. What's my incentive to somehow force myself to like something? Taste (e.g., those who can't tolerate the taste of cilantro, which I love) is very often genetic. It's likely there's nothing you can do about your revulsion to high hopping. Have a nice Irish Red or a Hefeweizen.

I LOVE anchovies, and cilantro, but not together.

You've got a point about force liking something. My family hails from Ireland so maybe I have an excuse to keep drinking my stouts. hehe

 

[ChillyCheese]

3 years ago I detested beer; every beer I had tried just tasted like "beer". However, a few of my friends had started homebrewing, and I really liked the rich tradition that beer had in history, so I set out to make myself like it.

I realized that the first flavor hurdle I probably needed to get over was "fermented", because I had the same problem with not liking wine. So, I started off drinking apple/pear ciders, moved on to hefeweizen, then oktoberfest/marzen, to lighter ales, amber ales and stouts.

During this transformation, I took my first international vacation to Oktoberfest in Munich, then last year I went to Ireland and fell in love with "good" Guinness.

I had tried a couple IPAs earlier in my journey, but had the same reaction to how bitter they were, and I looked at my friend like he was crazy as he quaffed beer after beer. Finally, several months ago I tried Lagunitas and fell in love with IPAs at last. I just finished brewing a Stone Ruination clone that clocks in at 99 IBU and it's lovely to drink.

Parting suggestion: try IPAs that use magnum for bittering hops... they have a nice, smooth bitterness. Stone Ruination is an example.

 

[Mishraile]

I would say, going back to the original question. Your best bet is to just keep trying different ones. Different Hops used differently produce different flavors. I love IPAs. Alot. But I have had plenty I didn't like, and it wasn't low quality or anything like that. I figured out that it was the types of hops and how they are used that would determine if I liked the beer. I like mine realy bitter with a nice malty backbone to carry that. I like the ones that impart a bit of citrusy sweetness as well. I like Dogfish Head 60 min, 90 min and 120 min IPAs a lot. I used to hate them, and then a switch flipped somewhere and I couldn't get enough.

So just keep trying different ones and you will eventually find one you like. Try drinking more Pale Ales too. Its the gentler little brother to the IPA. Try brewing Drydock Breakwater Pale Ale from Northern Brewer. It is one of the hoppier Pale Ales I have had.

 

[Greenbasterd]

yea in the same boat here.. my IPA experience was Alexnader Keiths IPA.. LOL then i got into craft brews and found something from a decent craft brewery called phillips brewing co, beer is called Hopperation Tripple Cross.. WOW i think i went from one extreme to other because this thing literally burned my tongue it was so bitter. i've stayed clear of anything IPA ever since..

i think i will start exploring more IPA's, i've been searching for the dogfish head.. our liquor stores kinda rotate there craft brew section just gota keep my eyes open for it

 

[theblaster]

If you have tried a fair number of IPAs and have not liked any, maybe it just isn't your thing. Maybe it's taste. Maybe it's genetics. I have a friend who has an allergic reaction to IPA in his sinuses. When I brew for his parties, I brew a brown ale. Personally, I love a good IPA or IIPA as long as it isn't too malty. Pliny good. Maharaja bad. Anything Belgian (other than wits and runway models) bad.

There is also a pretty big difference in regional definitions of IPA. East Coast companies that make and IPA are mostly making a beer that most west coasters would call a Pale Ale. If you don't want something too hoppy, try east coast IPA. It'll ease you into the flavor.

And stay away from all these new "Rye IPA" beers. They just confuse the issue with strong, unrepresentative of traditional IPA flavors. They are different enough that an IPA lover like me won't touch a RyePA. Too burnt. Not to my taste. Never will be (maybe like you and IPA!). But obviously there are lots who do love it as it's springing up like weed in Humbolt.

 

[BrettFitz]

I like your plan of brewing a two hearted clone. Its an easy beer to make, and you can start tweaking the recipe after the very first one. Try different bittering hops, OR different finishing hops, but since you are still "iffy" on hops overall, don't do both. Maybe you can isolate exactly what you do/don't like about them.

Once you have your personal best IPA dialed in, screw the commercially available stuff! This is why we brew - to find out our own personal preferences, then make beer that we enjoy.

Me personally - I've been trying to dry that clone out a bit by adding a touch of honey. Also just modified it with different hops and added a bit of juniper berries (and honey at f/o, and primed with honey, and used honey malt). Obviously I've strayed quite a bit from the original clone, which I plan on getting back to next batch just to see how it stacks up to some of my variations. Right now a Bell's Hopslam clone is bubbling it's little heart out. Can't wait for that one.

Good luck and good brewing-
Brett

 

[wile]

I am going to respond directly to the question - (to help you like IPAs).

IPAs (APAs) are my favorite beer style by far. Until recently, I found it extremely frustrating that my wife didn't like them because I really wanted to brew them a lot and clone my favorite beers. She is now converted, and I have since converted two more non-IPA people.

Basically, I suggested that you don't taste the full balance flavor of an IPA if you just sip it - you really taste a lot more of the bitter, and less of the malt sweetness. Of course, people who are apprehensive of IPAs will do just that every time.

I convinced my wife to take a big swig of it and after one weekend, she was sold. The same was true for the other two people (and it wasn't inebriation, I swear). I'm not saying that all IPAs are the same - I'm actually very picky. I happen to really like APAs because of the hop varieties, even if they are very bitter. I don't so much like British IPAs and I really don't like Amarillo hops in any quantity.

Anyway - best of luck, and if you still don't like them, no biggie.

 

[eastoak]

the first time i tried a bottle of pliny i spit it out and gave the other bottle away to my neighbor. now i love hoppy and bitter, SNPA is like budweiser to me now - who knows how and when the shift can happen.

 

[mredge73]

torpedo sierra nevada

Torpedo is great. It is not as harsh as most IPAs.

 

[thekage]

Again thanks for all the awesome replies. I'm just stoked that my second thread on HBT goes 5 pages! WooHoo

 

[two_hearted]

Lots of truths spoken here. For one, two hearted IS the best IPA. You should brew it, drink it and love it. I have also recently fallen head over heals for a good, balanced English style IPA. I'm a fan of Great lakes Commodore Perry. Hop bombs are fun, but more delicate...nay, balanced IPAs are amazing too.

Hop bursting is also a great way to make a "hoppy" beer that is not overly bitter. Skimp (or skip) out on a bittering addition and toss all of your hops in at 10 min, 5 min and flame out. If you like two hearted, check out Racer 5 IPA. Its very similar and very delicious.

 

[thekage]

Lots of truths spoken here. For one, two hearted IS the best IPA.

Your name leads me to believe you might be slightly biased....

 

[mewithstewpid]

Lots of truths spoken here. For one, two hearted IS the best IPA. You should brew it, drink it and love it. I have also recently fallen head over heals for a good, balanced English style IPA. I'm a fan of Great lakes Commodore Perry. Hop bombs are fun, but more delicate...nay, balanced IPAs are amazing too.

Hop bursting is also a great way to make a "hoppy" beer that is not overly bitter. Skimp (or skip) out on a bittering addition and toss all of your hops in at 10 min, 5 min and flame out. If you like two hearted, check out Racer 5 IPA. Its very similar and very delicious.

oh yeah racer 5 is amazing!

i had it recently at the american craft beer fest in boston and was totally blown away. i could easily see myself drinking that beer all day and not getting bored with it.



and OP, just a little advice i have learned form past experience: change your posts-per page to view 40 at a time. it will save you a lot of clicking back and forth.

to do this, click my account at the top right of the page, then click edit forum options, fourth from the bottom. from there scroll down about 3/4 of the way and change number of posts to show per page to 40.

or course this is personal preference but i have found it very helpful

 

[drives_a_bike]

It took me a long time to like IPAs and now it's by far my favorite beer! I didnt constantly try to make myself like it either...there was a point when I was 21 years old and I tried a Summit EPA and spit it out. THAT was too hoppy for me...then a few years back a buddy had me try Surly Furious and I've never gone back (I'm 31 now). I personally think Odell's IPA and Sierra Nevada Torpedo have the best finishes when it comes to IPA, but I also love Surly Furious, Bells Two Hearted, and Crow Peak's 11th Hour IPA.

If you want something close to Two Hearted, Northern Brewer has a pseudo clone called Dead Ringer IPA, I'd say buy that kit and dry hop it for a little extra oomf!

 

[jkendal]

You can call me a wuss or what ever, I don't care. I just can't get over the real hoppiness of IPAs. Anything past like a 55-60 IBU rating and I just can't do it. I pucker up like the old bitter beer face..
The problem is I really want to like IPAs. I get one all the time to see if I will like it and I never do. The only exception is Bells 2 Hearted Ale, but it's right in that 50 range, which is low for an IPA, it tastes more like an Amber Ale to me.

Beers I love are usually Bitters, especially Fuller's ESB, I love Amber ales, and darker stouts and porters.

Can you give me a recipe for something like a beginners IPA - something just like one step past Bells 2 Hearted. Kind of like dipping your leg in the pool before you jump in..

I find that life is too short to drink beer you don't like. That's why I brew my own.....

 

[thekage]

So I had a Sierra Nevada Torpedo last night... it wasn't horrible. It was actually quite nice.